From swimming with whale sharks to feasting on tacos – Top 12 things to do in Mexico

NATURE: Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most surreal experiences in the world

June is the hottest month in Cancun with an average temperature of 28°C and the coldest is January at 23°C – which is still pretty warm for us Brits.

Whether you're into watersports, history or mountain climbing, the country has something for everyone. Here Sonia, Evaneos Travel’s local agent in Mexico shares her insider's knowledge about the popular tourist spot.

"I have lived in Mexico for over 10 years now, and even to this day I am constantly finding fantastic new places to visit and sites to discover," she said.

"Travelling has always been a strong passion of mine, particularly having lived in Peru for a number of years as a child."

"I love sharing must-sees and hidden gems of Mexico – the country I have come to love over the past decade," she added.

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WILD: Snorkel or dive in Yucatan’s beautiful underwater caves

1. Snorkel or dive in Yucatan’s cenotes

No trip to Mexico would be complete without a visit down into the cenotes of the Yucatan – an exquisite natural phenomenon of turquoise and underwater caves that you can snorkel and swim under.

If you are lucky enough to have your scuba diving license, we highly recommend an excursion in one of the cenotes. Crossing through the layer where fresh and salt water meet is a truly unique experience for any diver.

ADVENTURE: Kayak through the serenity of the "Lagoon of Seven Colours"

4. Laguna Bacalar by kayak

For a dramatic change of scenery kayak through the serenity of the "Lagoon of Seven Colours".

From the water you can observe the local wildlife hiding in the mangrove swamps, stop off for a natural and detoxing mud bath or simply soak up the sun and work on your tan.

5. Celebrate the ‘Day of the Dead’ in Patzcuaro

Halloween as we know it actually takes its origins from Mexico’s Day of the Dead, a traditional celebration for loved ones who are no longer with us.

Nowhere is this more beautifully celebrated than in the quaint town of Patzcuaro. If you are looking to experience this festival like a local, take a visit to the cemetery in the middle of Janitzio Lake.

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Mexico has a number of impressive, dormant volcanoes on offer for any level of climber. The views from the top are simply spectacular and well worth the workout but in any case you almost always have the option of ascending either via a challenging route, or a gentler one.

7. Ride over Teotihuacan in a hot air balloon

The staggering archaeological site of Teotihuacan is accessible on foot, but if you want a bird’s-eye view across the ruins sign up for a hot air balloon ride and do your sight-seeing from above.

With the rising sun casting light over the pyramids early morning is the most ideal time to observe the area in all its ancient and mystic glory.

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ROMANTIC: Ride over the stunning Teotihuacan in a hot air balloon

8. Selva Lacandona Jungle in Chiapas

The pristine, untouched Lacandona jungle is the perfect place to visit ancient archaeological sites such as Bonampak & Yaxchilan.

Here you can also learn about local Maya culture, go white water rafting with a local guide or enjoy a hike through the lush jungle to waterfalls and cenotes.

9. Copper Canyon

One of the most unique features of Mexico is its diverse landscapes. Copper Canyon is a must for any trip itinerary, enabling you to take in the breathtakingly stark landscapes of the vast Sierra Madre from aboard the El Chepe train.

If you’re feeling adventurous there’s also the opportunity to hike, horseback ride and get to know the local cave-dwelling Tarahumara people on foot.

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PARADISE: You can swim with whale sharks or chill at the beach in Cancun

10. ‘Las Pozas’ Mansion

History and architecture lovers take a trip through the wilderness to Las Pozas Mansion next to Xilitla village and step into the surreal natural park of Sir Edward James.

The site is characterised by enormous abstract structures, waterfalls, pools, bridges and weird and wonderful buildings in the middle of the dense subtropical jungles of the Sierra Gorda.

Mexican food was recently voted into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Not only is it incredibly diverse and rich in its flavours, but it also plays a huge role in Mexico’s daily culture.

If you want to wow your friends back home try taking a local cooking class in Oaxaca, famous for its regional cuisine. Learning how to make the traditional and elaborate Mole Oaxaqueña is an unforgettable culinary experience in itself.

12. Swim with whale sharks off the coast of Cancun

During the period of June to September sign up for the incredible opportunity of swimming alongside the largest fish in the sea – the whale shark.

These friendly giants migrate in groups to the warm and plankton-rich waters of where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet, just off the vibrant coast of Cancun.

Make this experience even more unforgettably by staying on the pristine island paradise of Holbox, which rallies to protect the surrounding environment, (by not allowing cars on the island, for example). There’s no better place to observe whale sharks in their natural habitat.

Evaneos Travel let you design your own tailor-made holidays with a local travel agent who has all the inside knowledge.